As with many other “diagnoses,” there can be multiple factors that could lead to someone being sexually addicted. Here are five possible causes that I have observed in my clinical work: 1) These was early sexual, emotional or physical trauma in the addicted person’s early life. Victims of trauma adapt psychologically and neurobiologically to trauma in ways that help the person cope with the overwhelming feelings of trauma but can lead to maladaptive behaviors. In other words, in the service…

In my practice, a good proportion of my clients with low sexual desire are men. This is particularly challenging because men have grown up with the myth that they should always have sexual desire and be ready to pounce on one’s partner at any time. If that is not the case, it saps the self-esteem of the man and can even preoccupy his thinking. The truth is that men are not machines and there are many factors that could cause…

A few days ago, I wrote about 7 different touching exercises couples can do together to help one or both heal from sexual trauma. Here are five important things a partner can do to help the sexual trauma victim heal. Get educated. Read articles and maybe even go to a sexual trauma expert to learn about how sexual trauma affects people. Encourage your partner to see a qualified therapist if he or she is not seeing one already. Be willing…

Many clients come to see me because of symptoms due to either molest, rape or other sexual trauma. Two weeks ago, I talked about types of sexual trauma and last week I talked about how sexual trauma can affect sexuality. This article, though brief will succinctly describe some of the things I do and recommend to help people heal from sexual trauma. Here are 7 keys to healing from sexual trauma: 1) Relationships are very important. Having loved ones, or…

Trauma is an experience somebody has that is deeply distressing or disturbing. Sexual trauma is particularly distressing because of the sense of powerlessness and betrayal that the victim feels. Often, the perpetrator, whether it is childhood molest or adult rape is someone the victim knows well. Some victims where the trauma was once or a few times (of course one is one too many!), may not develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder particularly if the victim has a good support system,…

This month I am writing about sexual trauma and how it affects sexuality as an adult. I will be covering types of sexual trauma, how it affects sexuality, effective treatment approaches and how partners of sexual traumas can be part of the healing. Sexual trauma occurs when sex is non-consensual and/or coercive. To adults need to both choose and consent to the sexual act. When adults are being sexual with children, it is always non-consensual since the child is not…